PR truyền thông - Chapter 14: Interviewing, writing follow - Up messages, and succeeding in the job

Chapter 14Interviewing, Writing Follow-Up Messages, and Succeeding in the JobInterview ChannelsCampus interviewsKnow protocols and expectationsProvide good details and professional stories about your workFocus on 3-4 selling pointsPhone interviewsNarrows list of candidatesSpeak distinctlyTreat the interview like an in-person interviewFind a quiet, private locationMake sure your phone worksFocus on 3-4 selling pointsInterview Channels, continuedVideo interviewsPreparing a videoPractice answers ahead of timeCapture your best performanceBe thoroughParticipating in videoconferencePrepare a practice video ahead of timeKeep your answers under two minutesBe prepared for technology failureInterview StrategyWhat about yourself do you want the interviewer to know?What disadvantages or weaknesses do you need to minimize?What do you need to know about the job and the organization to decide on a job offer?Preparation: Final ResearchReadWeb pagesFacebook/Twitter accountsNewslettersAnnual reportsTrade journalsAsk people you know about the organizationFind out who will interview you and research them, if possibleDetermine salary ranges for job/locationPreparation: Elevator SpeechShort, powerful statement of why you’re a good candidate (2 min max) Uses carefully selected details to sound convincingHelpful in a variety of situationsGroup interviewsReceptions with company employeesBrief, one-on-one conversationsPreparation: Travel PlanningFind building and closest parkingPlan how much time you’ll need to get thereLeave time margins for unexpected events (e.g., traffic jams, broken elevators)Plan transportation and schedule, if flyingPreparation: AttireMeet interviewer’s dress expectationsMake conservative choices; traditional dark suit is most commonResearch organization’s culture, if possible, and dress a step above Wear comfortable, shined shoes in good condition Style hair conservativelyWear understated jewelry and makeupAvoid perfume and colognePresent flawless personal hygienePreparation: Professional MaterialsExtra copies of your résuméNotepad, pen, and list of questions Copies of your work or a portfolioReference informationA low-cost briefcase will carry these itemsInterview PracticePut on the clothes you’ll wearPractice everythingEntering a roomShaking handsSitting downAnswering questionsUse video equipment if availableAnswering out loud is much harder than answering in your head!Interview Customs: BehaviorBe punctualPractice active listeningDo not monopolize interviews with lengthy monologuesNever say anything bad about current or former employers, including schoolsBe enthusiasticBe yourself—your best selfInterview Customs: Note-Taking Record the following briefly during or right after the interviewInterviewer’s name (or names)Advice given to youWhat they liked about youNegative points discussed Answers to your questions When you’ll hear from themInterview Customs: Interview SectionsOpening (2 to 5 minutes)Conversation to set you at easeEasy questions or information about companyBody (10 to 25 minutes)Answer questions that let you show and tell your strengthsDeflect questions that probe weaknesses evident on your résuméAsk questions when opportunity arisesWatch the time; get in your key points Close (2 to 5 minutes)Summarize your key accomplishments and strengths Express enthusiasm for the jobListen to find out what happens nextCommon Interview QuestionsTell me about yourself.Walk me through your résumé.Why do you want to work for us?What have you read recently?What are your greatest strengths?What is your greatest weakness?What questions do you have?Kinds of Interviews: BehavioralBehavioral: Describe past behaviorsSituational: Situation similar to the jobStress: See how you handle pressureGroup: Multiple candidates at onceMultiple: A series of interviewsFinal Steps: Follow-UpFollow-Up Phone CallsShow enthusiasm for the jobReinforce positives from interviewOvercome negatives from interviewProvide information to persuade the interviewer to hire youFollow-Up Written MessagesThank the interviewer for useful information and any helpful actionRemind interviewer what s/he liked about youUse company jargon; refer to specifics of interviewShow enthusiasmRefer to the next moveFinal Steps: NegotiatingWait for job offer to talk about salaryFind out going rate for work Avoid naming a specific salaryNegotiate package, not just starting salaryFinal Steps: Accepting a Job OfferKnow what’s important to you; for exampleAre you willing to take work home?Would you want firm deadlines or flexible schedule?What kinds of opportunities for training and advancement are you seeking?Where do you want to live?Plan what to say at time of job offerAsk for 2-weeks to accept or reject offerMake acceptance contingent upon written job offerLet other interviewers know when you accept a jobStarting Your CareerReread all your materials on organization, its competition, the industryNetwork with people in the fieldTalk to recent hiresBe observantUse breaks effectivelyFind a mentorAsk lots of questionsSeek early opportunities for feedbackBe pleasant to everyone, including support personnelBe punctual, dependable, organized, resourceful, and discreteUse technology professionallyProofread all written messagesGo the extra mileDo your share of grunt workTake advantage of volunteer opportunitiesDocument your workEnjoy yourself!